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An online journal about visual art, the urban landscape and design. Mary Louise Schumacher, the Journal Sentinel's art and architecture critic, leads the discussion and a community of writers contribute to the dialogue.

The verdict: The Art-o-mat presumably dispensed cigarettes in a former life and today shells out petite pieces of art. There are 22 possible selections such as “Happy Abstractions” or “Peter Matthews Pastels.” I tried the “Eye Candy Series” first. A painted box slid through the machine when I pulled the handle. I confess the box was half the fun. It had purple and pink dots and curlicues painted on it and a pretty sticker seal. Inside, bits of confetti concealed a clear shard of glass with green and blue glass shapes and blue dots of paint. When I tried “Artapalooza,” a painting of a white dog on a blue couch in a purple room and a glossy lacquered surface appeared. Truth be told, neither of these items is great art, but the machine is a fun experience. I loved the surprise and the personal, handmade presentations. | Jan. 30, 2009(3)

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Keep up with the art scene and trends in urban design with art and architecture critic Mary Louise Schumacher. Every week, you'll get the latest reviews, musings on architecture and her picks for what to do on the weekends.